Sources to Prepare for the COMPASS

5 Invaluable Prep Sources for COMPASS Test Prep

Though not a competitive test that determines your admission into
any college or institute, the COMPASS is an important step in the
admission and placement procedures of many institutes in the US. The
test scores paint a clear analysis of the test takers' skills and
academic levels and, in turn, help the institution or college place the
students in courses that are appropriate to their knowledge levels.
Preparation is, therefore, a significant step in your college
admission, and when you studyfor thistest,
you should take care that no important aspects of the test are missed
out. Learn more about COMPASS test preparation here, along with
pointers to five invaluable resources for this purpose:

What Is COMPASS and Why Is It Administered?

When preparing for any test, the first step is to learn about the
test in detail. The COMPASS is an evaluative and diagnostic battery of
computerized subject tests. The test package administered at each
institute can be customized, based on the requirements of the
institute. That is, not all test takers are administered the same
package, but different subject/skill tests as per the requirements.

While, many institutions in the country use this test as a
pre-requisite to admission or as part of the enrollment process, many
others administer this test to students who have already enrolled to courses.

Along with compass prep, let us, therefore, understand why it
is administered. Rounding up this aspect, it can be said that this test
is administered so that institutions can:

Measure the skills and academic levels of students in different
subject areas, and analyze their college-readiness for entry-level
courses

Learn about any strong and weak areas for each student

Place students in classes appropriate to their academic levels and existing skill levels

Assess the need and plan for developmental and supportive programs to help students improve in any weaker areas

The COMPASS Test Content and Question Types

While preparing for the COMPASS test, it is also essential
that we learn what is on the test. The following are the subject and
skill tests included in the COMPASS test:

The Writing test (placement and diagnostic)

The Writing Essay test

The Reading test (both placement and diagnostic)

The Mathematics test (placement and diagnostic)

The English as a Second Language (ESL) test

Each of these tests contains multiple-choice questions, except for
the Writing Essay test. Also, the ESL test is generally administered
for foreign students and not for everyone. More details on the test
content and sample questions can be found at the official COMPASS
website (http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html).

Furthermore,
it should also be noted that none of the COMPASS test sections is
time-bound. You are encouraged to complete the sections at your own
pace, with no kind of time limits and restraints, or pressure
preventing you from giving your best.

When getting ready for the COMPASS test, you may also need to pay
attention to institute-specific testing and scoring requirements and
accordingly prepare yourself. Taking a pre-test, practicing well,
focusing on essential areas, and getting yourself the right kind of
resources and prep materials are vital factors of preparation.

While choosing the materials for preparation, you should choose the
ones that are authentic and tailor-made to your specific needs for test
preparation. For example, if you need comprehensive test help, you
should choose resources or programs that fit the bill; but for specific
areas, you must select the ones that are more focused and delving into
the topic.

Five Essential Resources for COMPASS Test Preparation

The official COMPASS website(http://www.act.org/products/higher-education-act-compass/)
- This is the best and foremost important resource that you should seek
online when getting ready for COMPASS. Providing links to all the
important aspects of the COMPASS test like question types, sections,
time duration, scoring and the like, this is one of those resources no
COMPASS test taker can miss out.

The college or institution where you are taking the test -
This is the next important place for getting yourself ready for your
COMPASS test. Most institutes have their own websites providing all
related information on the COMPASS test, and any specific requirements.
You may therefore not forget to check with your college/institute during preparation for thistest. Many times, the institute might be conducting prep programs or providing access to specific resources for test preparation.

COMPASS Exam - Bob Miller's Math Prep - An important
prep material available in the market today, this study guide to
COMPASS Math preparation is considered a comprehensive resource.
With example, drills, and two practice tests based on actual test
questions, along with detailed answer keys, this resource covers all
important aspects of the COMPASS Math test (http://www.amazon.com/COMPASS-Exam-Millers-Accuplacer-Preparation/dp/073861002X).
Special tips and strategies from the author, also an experienced Math
teacher, add more value to this guide and make it one of the most
sought-after prep resources for COMPASS Math.

COMPASS Exam Success: The Easy Breezy Guide to Help COMPASS Test Takers
is yet another comprehensive title for COMPASS test preparation. With
review materials for each subject presented in an easily understandable
way, this COMPASS test prep book also includes general strategies and
overview information for the test. You may find more information about
this title at: http://www.amazon.com/COMPASS-Exam-Success-Breezy-ebook/dp/B004WKPFJ0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

Conclusively, it must be said that with many test prep resources
available for COMPASS preparation, it may not be easy to choose the
right one for you. However, it is important that all candidates select
the best resources that fit their specific needs and any budgetary
constraints.